Christie Pits

Baseball diamond in Christie Pits Park.

Christie Pits Park is the site of the worst race riot in Toronto's history.
During the 1920's and 30's, Canada was rife with anti-semitism, and the rise
of the Nazi's in Germany piqued the interest of some in Toronto.
On August 16, 1933, a baseball game was played during an amateur
tournament, with one team made up largely of Jewish players.
At the end of the game, a group of xenophobic youths unfurled a large swastika
flag, and shouted "Heil Hitler". A riot erupted pitting Jews and Italians against
Anglo-Canadians which lasted for hours. Police tried, but failed, to restore order.
Although as many as 10,000 people were involved in the riot, and members of
the group that unfurled the banner were questioned, no charges were laid by the
police.